Tag Archives: world ocean day

Get Set for World Ocean Day Australia 2024

Every year on June 8th, the global community comes together to celebrate World Ocean Day and focus on the vital importance of our oceans. In 2024, the significance of this day resonates more deeply than ever before. So, it’s key that we educate our young people about the pivotal role of our oceans in sustaining life on Earth and make them aware of the challenges the ocean is facing. But how do we do that in a way that gives them hope and inspires them to want to learn more and take positive action to make a difference? Here are some great ideas to help you keep young minds optimistic as we get set for World Ocean Day Australia 2024.

Let’s Talk about some Good News for a Start…

The good news is that there is a lot of great work being done to make a positive difference to the health of the ocean, such as the Ocean Cleanups Epic Win (see below).

And the other good news is that we have lots of engaging ideas for educating children in a fun manner so that they feel hopeful about the future.

Positive News: The Ocean Cleanup’s Epic Win!

Great news for fellow ocean warriors! The Ocean Cleanup just hit a mega milestone in the battle against ocean plastic! They’ve managed to scoop out a whopping 220 tonnes of plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and fished out over 6,000 kilograms of plastic in just one go!

With these impressive efforts it’s no wonder it’s the largest clean up in history.

So, what is this garbage patch? It’s basically like a massive floating dump, bobbing about between California and Hawaii and covering an area three times bigger than France!

And the Ocean Cleanup crew is stepping up efforts in 2024 and aim to clean up 90% of floating ocean plastic pollution.

Click link below to find out more.

And let’s talk about the difference each individual can make

One person can make a significant difference to the health and well-being of the ocean through their actions and choices. Here are several ways an individual can positively impact the ocean on World Ocean Day 2024 in Australia.

Reduce Plastic Use: By minimizing the use of single-use plastics such as bags, bottles, and straws, individuals can help prevent plastic pollution from entering the ocean.

Proper Disposal: Ensuring that waste is disposed of properly and recycled when possible prevents litter from ending up in waterways and eventually reaching the ocean.

Participate in Beach Cleanups: Joining or organizing beach cleanups helps remove trash and debris from coastal areas, preventing it from harming marine life.

Conserve Water: Conserving water at home reduces the amount of wastewater and pollutants that flow into rivers and eventually reach the ocean.

Choose Sustainable Seafood: Opting for sustainably sourced seafood helps reduce overfishing and supports fisheries that prioritize environmental conservation.

Educate Others: Sharing knowledge about ocean conservation and raising awareness about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems can inspire others to take action.

Support Conservation Efforts: Contributing to organizations and initiatives dedicated to ocean conservation helps fund research, advocacy, and restoration projects.

While the actions of one person may seem small, collective efforts can lead to significant positive changes for the ocean and its inhabitants. Every individual has the power to make a difference and contribute to the preservation of our planet’s most vital resource.

And how about…

Checking out the World Ocean Day for Schools ( 7 June 2024) official website and resources.

Or Why Not…

Book an educational incursion or excursion with one of our inspired Ocean Life Education team – click here to explore our programs.

Ocean Life Education’s World Ocean Day Blogs – featuring Activities & Resources

About Ocean Life Education

We visit centres for all with our lively team of marine animals, including Early Years, Primary & Secondary Schools, and Vacation Care settings. We also host events and excusions. All programs are tailored to your needs and delivered by qualified marine educators. Our aim is to to engage children to want to learn more about the ocean and to feel a duty to protect it..

Here are some resources you might find useful…

World Ocean Day for Schools

World Ocean Day Website & Downloadable posters

The Ocean Cleanup

Here’s a link to our other news

Guide to Teaching Ocean Literacy in Australia

So, what’s all this about? What is Ocean Literacy? Ocean literacy is an understanding of the ocean’s influence on you – and the influence that you have on the ocean.

When we understand the ocean we can begin to comprehend how its works, giving us the information we need to take measures to protect it. Education is at the heart of ocean literacy and this is where we as educators play a crucial role in inspiring people young and old to want to take action and make a difference, transforming ocean knowledge into action. Here’s our guide to teaching Ocean Literacy at schools…

Who Developed the Ocean Literacy Principles?

The Ocean Literacy Principles were developed in 2004 through an international community-wide consultation, with agreement with hundreds of scientists, educators and policy makers. The original purpose of the campaign was to address the lack of ocean related content in schools in the US.

The fundamental aim of the Ocean Literacy Principles is that every human being should understand basic principles about the ocean by the time they graduate high school, thus creating an ‘ocean-literate’ society.

What is the Goal of the Ocean Literacy Principles?

UNESCO has set the following goal for the 7 Ocean Literacy Principles as:

“Ocean Literacy is included in curriculum frameworks of all 193 UNESCO Member States by 2025”.

What are The Ocean Literacy Principles?

The Ocean Literacy Principles are:

The Earth has one big ocean with many features
The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of Earth
The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate
The ocean made the Earth habitable
The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems
The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected
The ocean is largely unexplored

What Does Being Ocean Literate Mean?

Being Ocean Literate Means:

Understanding the essential principles and fundamental concepts about the ocean
Communicating about the ocean in a meaningful way
Being able to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the ocean and its resources

Are Many Australians Ocean Literate?

Studies show many Australians are very concerned about the ocean, with ocean plastic being the biggest concern voiced, then overfishing and other human impacts. So a lot of good work is already being done to spread the message that we need to act now to preserve the ocean for the future. Many Australians are ocean literate but a lot more still has to be done as the ocean needs our help.

Teaching Ocean Literacy in Australia

The basic principles of ocean literacy do not fall within traditional science disciplines, they instead focus on integrated science. This is because of the interdisciplinary nature of ocean sciences.

As teachers, it is our responsibility to educate children (and adults) about the ocean in a meaningful way. This can be done under the standard school curriculum themes. Our free primary resources can help you get started, or why not book in an incursion so one of our expert marine educators can teach the children about the ocean using interaction with our live marine animals. Here are some great resources to assist with planning.

Ocean Life Education Programs & Resources

Ocean Literacy resources – Australia focused

UNESCO – Ocean Literacy Teachers Area

Marine Stewardship Council of Australia

World Ocean Day – Plan Your Event

Why is the Health of the Ocean So Important?

The ocean covers most of our planet, it regulates our climate and provides the air we breathe. It also feeds us, provides jobs and livelihoods and is a tool for economic development, as well as being fun to play in! We humans need a healthy ocean in order to survive. So, the health of the ocean is critically important to us.

Click image to download PDF.

Read our blog – 10 reasons why we depend on our ocean

Further resources

OceansIQ

Ocean and Climate Literacy – Essential principles and fundamental concepts

UNESCO – Ocean Literacy for All

Celebrate World Ocean Day 2023 at School

What is World Ocean Day?

World Ocean Day is an annual event to highlight issues affecting our oceans. It is on a mission to deepen understanding of our relationship with the ocean and inspire action to protect it. Why not celebrate World Ocean Day at school by organising an event or activity. See below for some great ideas to get your centre or school involved at celebrate World Ocean Day with us.

What is the Theme of World Ocean Day 2023?

The World Ocean Day 2023 Conservation Action Focus is Protect at least 30% of our blue planet by 2030

When is World Ocean Day 2023?

World Ocean Day 2023 will be held worldwide on 8 June 2023. World Ocean Day is celebrated annually on 8 June.

Why Celebrate World Ocean Day at School?

Our ocean connects us all and we are all responsible for them, so it makes sense for us all to unite our efforts and join together with friends, community and family to celebrate the world’s oceans and help highlight issues affecting them, so that we can protect them for the future. Celebrate World Ocean Day at school by planning inspirational ocean themed activities.

How Can Schools Celebrate World Ocean Day Australia 2023?

As World Ocean Day Australia is powered by The Youth Advisory Council, it is the perfect opportunity for schools to focus student’s attention on the ocean while being led by inspirational youth role models.

There are many ways that schools can celebrate World Ocean Day Australia 2023. Here are some great activities and ideas to get you started.

**Keep a plastic diaryfor a day – pledge to refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle.

**Plastic Ocean Life Cycle Activity

**Teach curriculum themes through ocean activities: habitats, life cycles, adaptation, classification, human impact using our Free Primary Resources:

**Students do an online shark’s courseand receive a personalised certificate ($20 per student – free trial and group discounts available)

**Organize a beach clean or a visit to a local beach – and maybe pick up some litter.

**Fundraise to support a local coast care charity e.g., Coolum Coast Care, Ocean Crusaders, Sea Shepherd

Blog: 20 Ideas for Celebrating the Ocean in 2023

How Early Learning Centres Can Celebrate World Ocean Day Australia 2023

There are heaps of creative ways that early learning centres can celebrate World Ocean’s Day Australia. Here are our top picks:

Decorate your classroom or childcare setting – Check out our FREE early learning resources
Book an ocean-focused incursion or excursion
Host an ocean themed colouring or drawing competition

Involve your centre or school by checking out the World Ocean Day Website

Check out our Blogs for further information on how you can celebrate World Oceans Day…

Guide to Teaching Ocean Literacy

How Can I Protect the Ocean

10 Reasons Why We Depend on Our Oceans

World Oceans Day Website